How many tablespoons of instant coffee should you use?

October 12, 2025 •

3 min read

According to Healthline, a cup of instant coffee generally contains 30–90 mg of caffeine. To get your perfect brew, knowing precisely how many tablespoons of instant coffee should you use is essential, as the amount dictates both strength and flavor.

Quick Summary

Find the ideal ratio for instant coffee based on strength preference. Learn standard measurements, proper water temperature, and tips to customize your cup for a better flavor.

Key Points

Start with 1/2 tablespoon: For a standard 8-ounce cup, a good starting point for a moderate flavor is approximately 1.5 teaspoons, or half a tablespoon.
Adjust for desired strength: Increase to 2 teaspoons (~2/3 tbsp) for a stronger cup or decrease to 1 teaspoon (~1/3 tbsp) for a milder one.
Use the right water temperature: Avoid boiling water, as it can cause a burnt, bitter flavor. Let your kettle cool for about a minute after boiling before pouring.
Enhance with mix-ins: Add a dash of cinnamon, cocoa powder, or vanilla extract to customize the flavor and aroma.
Create a frothy top: Whisk equal parts coffee, sugar, and hot water for a creamy froth similar to Dalgona coffee.
Pre-mix for smoother results: Stir a small amount of cold water with the granules to form a paste before adding hot water to improve the texture and flavor.

Achieving the perfect cup of instant coffee depends on personal taste and understanding the correct proportions. While many brands recommend teaspoons, converting to tablespoons helps find your preferred ratio. Experimentation is key to finding the ideal strength, whether you prefer a bold or mild flavor.

The Starting Point: Standard Instant Coffee Ratios

The typical recommendation for instant coffee is 1 to 2 teaspoons per 8 ounces (240ml) of hot water. Given that a tablespoon equals three teaspoons, this is about one-third to two-thirds of a tablespoon per serving for a balanced, moderate strength.

How to Measure Instant Coffee

Precise measurement is important for consistent results. A level teaspoon holds roughly 2g of instant coffee, while a standard tablespoon holds about 6g.

Standard 8-ounce cup: Start with 1.5 teaspoons (half a tablespoon) for a moderate flavor.
Stronger brew: Increase to 2-3 teaspoons (two-thirds to a full tablespoon).
Milder flavor: Use just one teaspoon (one-third of a tablespoon).

Adjusting for Your Ideal Strength

Instant coffee offers flexibility in adjusting strength. Tailor your measurements to achieve your desired outcome.

Bold and intense: Use two or more teaspoons. Mixing the granules with a little cold water to form a paste first can also help dissolve them evenly and potentially improve flavor.
Gentle and light: Use one teaspoon or less, suitable for those sensitive to caffeine or preferring a less intense taste.
Iced coffee: Dissolve the instant coffee in a small amount of hot water using a stronger ratio to compensate for dilution from ice. Then pour over ice and add milk or water.

Instant Coffee Strength Comparison Table

Use this table as a starting point to find your ideal ratio for an 8-ounce cup, then adjust to your taste.


Desired Strength	Teaspoons of Instant Coffee	Tablespoons of Instant Coffee	Recommended Starting Point
Mild	1 tsp	~1/3 tbsp	Ideal for a light, low-caffeine cup.
Moderate	1.5 tsp	1/2 tbsp	The standard for a balanced, average brew.
Strong	2 tsp	~2/3 tbsp	Produces a bolder flavor with more caffeine.
Extra Strong	3+ tsp	1+ tbsp	For a rich, espresso-like intensity.

Beyond the Ratio: Elevating Your Instant Coffee

Beyond the amount of coffee, other factors like water temperature and quality significantly impact flavor.

Essential Tips for Optimal Flavor

Use filtered or fresh tap water for a cleaner taste.
Let boiling water cool for about a minute to avoid a bitter taste from burning granules. The ideal range is 195-205°F (90-96°C).
Whisk equal parts instant coffee, sugar, and hot water for a creamy, frothy topping.
Add a pinch of cinnamon, cocoa, or vanilla extract to enhance flavor and aroma.
Freeze strong instant coffee into ice cubes for iced coffee to prevent dilution.

Conclusion: Your Perfect Cup, Your Way

Determining how many tablespoons of instant coffee to use is a guide, not a rule; personalize it to your taste. Start with half a tablespoon for a balanced cup and adjust as needed for stronger or milder results. Combining the right measurement with proper water temperature and flavor enhancements will consistently result in a delicious cup. For more information, you can refer to this guide from OutIn Coffee.

Frequently Asked Questions

The standard ratio is typically 1 to 2 teaspoons of instant coffee per 8-ounce cup of water. For a moderate flavor, many people start with 1.5 teaspoons, or roughly half a tablespoon.

Yes, instant coffee generally contains less caffeine than regular brewed coffee. A cup of instant coffee might have 30–90 mg of caffeine, while a brewed cup contains 70–140 mg.

To make a stronger cup, increase the amount of instant coffee used per cup of water. You can go from the standard 1.5 teaspoons up to 2 or even 3 teaspoons, depending on your desired strength.

It is not recommended to use boiling water. It can burn the coffee and create a bitter taste. Instead, let the water cool for about 60 seconds after boiling to reach an ideal temperature of 195-205°F (90-96°C).

You can improve the flavor by using quality, freeze-dried instant coffee, filtered water, and experimenting with additions like spices (cinnamon, cocoa) or extracts (vanilla).

To make iced instant coffee, first dissolve the granules in a small amount of hot water to form a concentrated paste. Use a stronger ratio to account for the ice, then pour over ice and add cold water or milk.

The quality of your water has a significant impact on flavor. Using fresh, filtered water will provide a cleaner, more pure taste compared to tap water, which can sometimes have a metallic or acidic flavor.